Tuesday, August 24th 2010

REVEALED: My Untold Secrets


There’s not a week that goes by without at least one total ‘stranger’ stopping me out of the blue and asking me… “Can I ask you what your secret is for keeping yourself in such great shape?”

Now you have to realize – I’m not exactly an “imposing figure”…

But in the last 2 weeks – this has happened literally almost every day. Everywhere I go… Publix, Target, Whole Foods, the bank, the beach…

So – I took that as a sign to write about ‘my secret’…

Now, the beach is a no-brainer because I’m just wearing swim-shorts – so it’s easy to see my whole physique (almost). I’m usually with my kids – and sometimes their friends…

It’s sometimes tricky for people to figure out “who I am”.

Am I the babysitter? …the older brother?

When they realize I’m their Dad – then they get really surprised. Because, truth is – most dads have a wickedly rounded beer gut flopping out over their swim-shorts – at the center of an un-toned, rapidly aging body. And it’s an extreme rarity to see a dad of 3, with washboard abs, 9% body-fat and a well-balanced, aesthetically pleasing physique.

It’s important to note here – this is not all about the superficial aspects. Because my ‘secret’ lies in the non-superficial elements of keeping myself in-shape – in mind, body and spirit.

But even when ‘fully clothed’ – people can still see that ‘I’m fit.’ It just shows… But they can also sense I’m not in my early 20’s. Maybe it’s the several white hairs in my goat-T :-) which hint I’m more in the ‘middle-age’ zone, from a chronological perspective.

Physiologically – I’m not even close to 40 years old. At my last physical, my doctor joked… “I’ll see you back here, for your next check-up, in ten years, Joey.”

Now before I reveal my secret – let me just list a few neat things about being healthy & fit as a single, ‘middle-aged’, dad:

1 – It should make finding my “wife-for-life” a bit easier. Let’s face it – most women would rather not be with an out of shape and unhealthy mate. Simple.

2 – My kids think it’s cool to see how other people check out their dad – and ask “how I do it”, etc..

3 – I’m a role model for my kids; as they see what I do and participate in some of my workouts too. They also learn how to eat by direct experience on the weekends/days they are with me.

4 – I’m rarely sick and I look forward to waking up every day to experience all that life sends my way.

5 – I’m a role model and an inspiration for other middle-age parents. They realize, especially after speaking with me, “they can do it too.”

I can add more to this list – and maybe you can too (feel free to do so in the comments section below)…

But now – it’s time to share my ‘secret’… This is how “I do it…”

‘A’ is the MOST important and it sets the stage for EVERYTHING else…

A – Being fit and in-shape is part of my values. I’ve been horribly out of shape/unhealthy in the past – and that way of life is not for me. Since it’s part of my values – it all goes deeper than the superficial aspects of simply “having a great body” – IT ALSO TOUCHES THE MIND AND THE SPIRIT. It enhances this multi-dimensional ‘connection’.

B – Exercise and eating right (most of the time) are not options – they are actions/habits in line with who “I am.” I want a high quality of life. I want to lead by example. I want to ‘Live to the Max’.

C – I enjoy my workouts and the foods/meals I eat. I don’t have to force myself to do anything. I crave it all. I look forward to it all. (If you are not enjoying your workouts and the foods you eat – you may need to re-evaluate it all – SO YOU ARE DOING THINGS YOU ENJOY WHICH WORK IN YOUR FAVOR)

D – My workouts are 90% body-weight training. This allows me to workout literally ANYWHERE. Some of my best workouts when I travel are done on a playground. (the other 10% involves, bands, dumbbells, medicine ball). I am free from the confines of “the gym” – although I can walk into any sweat shop and get busy with the best of them – BUT, by doing it my way.

At this point I’m realizing there is plenty more for me to share about this – so, I’ll surely be expanding on some of these points in future posts. But, for now – please feel free to share your thoughts, comments or questions below… I’d love to hear from you…


Your trainer forever – your trainer life,

AV pull ups Joey b&w

– Joey Atlas

Popularity: 25% [?]

Filed under: Fitness Mindset & Lifestyle, Lifestyle Adjustment, Live to the Max
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  • Kit

    Thank you Joey, as always you are a true inspiration!

  • Irishhigh47

    That's awesome!

  • Kathy Shunk

    How are you going to find that “wife for life” if you don't show your face? ;-D

  • Lynettejade

    Awesome..Its your life and you love it it shows. Inspire, Yes.Lynne Qld Australia

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks, Lynne!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Kathy! you need to snoop around this site a bit – I've posted a bunch of 'em…
    Even a video here: http://joeyatlas.com/about/

    THX! — Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for reading here, Kit!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thank you, IrishHigh :-)

  • Gerdaline

    Dear Forever Trainer,
    I'm hardy unaware of your tremendous fitness though as you know I argue with you about the balancing of foods, though I haven't for a long time now. However, I am a bit curious as to what you have done with your wife, as the last time I recall having read your mentions of her, you still had her and sounded pretty happy about your marriage.
    As to the out-of-shapes around everywhere and the unbelievable bellies running amok out of trousers, that has become one of the sad sad sights of our time. Sometimes I count the overweights when I'm stuck in traffic and they seem to be more all the time and I worry a lot what people have in their trolleys at the supermarket, but at the moment it's only getting worse and not better.
    Of course you are right in what you preach. And I rate your popularity at a lot more than the 5% I'm sure you would like to have contradicted.
    I've lost 14 pounds – with your exercises and mine combined and my idea of proper eating – over the period of two years which is kind of slow I know – and am now down to 119/120. I can finally get into my clothes from 20 years ago.
    I have no idea how much of the impetus has come from you though I did almost weep from shame and horror when I saw myself full-length in the bedroom mirror in August 2008. I love your enthusiasm and your nagging though I think I'm pretty motivated these days.
    Anyway, I think your mail needed a reply so I am sending you one and also hugest good wishes and best thoughts to you and that you may soon find the treasured other you seek.
    Gerda

  • corey

    How do you get there mentally and consistently physically? Especially if you have alot of stress factors in your life right now?

  • JoeyAtlas

    Gerda – you may have missed some of my posts – especially this one, from Oct. 2009:
    http://joeyatlas.com/live-to-the-max/when-life-…

    lol – that popularity % is only about this specific blog post on this site as compared to all the others – with time it will rise – no worries there :-) …I usually get at least 90% popularity rating with those who get to know me.

    Gerda – getting into clothes from 20 years ago is HUGE, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE!!!!! You have much to be proud of. I know I'm EXTREMELY proud of you. Keep at it and I thank you GREATLY for the well wishes.

    All the best – as always,
    Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Corey – it has to come from deep within. You have to realize the implications of self neglect/abuse VERSUS self development/preservation…

    We all have stress – (TRUST ME ON THAT) but there are ways to handle/manage it – and while we are doing that – we have to realize we need to be “selfish” in a very good way – to take care of ourselves. Only you can do that – nobody can do that for you. It's a choice….

    Doesn't matter if its 20 minutes or an hour and 20 minutes – its up to us to find the time to care for ourselves. We have well over 600 muscles in the body. We are meant to move – to break a sweat….

    If we don't – the outcome is certain…

    BUT – simply by doing a little every day – even in challenging times (when it's MOST needed) we take advantage of the ability to make the most out of the gift of life we've been given.

    Joey

  • Manuel

    Hey Joey,

    Thanks a lot for taking the time for writing these articles. I really enjoy and learn a lot from them. Keep it up, man.

    Manuel

  • Acarter

    Mr. Atlas,
    I have been meaning to write to you with thanks for the 28 day blow torch diet. You sent it to me maybe 2 years ago. I shamefully admit it sat on my desktop unopened. A friend and I were lamenting our weight on a frequent basis, so I sent it to him (of course, I had decided he needed it more than I—ha ha). I asked him how it was going a week or so later; he was following the eating plan and working out everyday, and responded that he was losing a pound/day. “Wow! I better investigate” I thought! I just could not see how overweight I was but I knew I did not feel as well as I could, so I started the eating plan. I lost around 30 lbs. since April 2010 (I do not own a scale) and from a size 10 (headed to size 12) to a size 4. I truly could not see all the fat I was carrying and I worked out on a regular basis so I thought the way I looked was the best I could have at age 50. Now I am doing the Legs, Hip, Butt, Thigh Workout and it is as tremendous as the diet! I had truly given up and had ventured to the plastic surgeon's office once. I do not need that now. A friend at church said I looked 10 years younger! Mr. Atlas, every time someone asks what I have done I give them your name and point them to your web site. I have emailed the 28 day blow torch when folks ask, I hope you are OK with that. If only all (about 20) the people that have asked would join the “Joey Team” they would be so thankful for the positive change in their lives! Thanks again! Peace and God Bless!! Peaches

  • Phillip Schlueter

    Joey, you are an impressive guy! Two months ago I decided I was fed up with my life and level of fitness. I took the bull by the horns and did something about it! Unlike the 82 million obese people in this country. Gerda said it very well, it's sad to see people this way and the sad truth is many are my friends and are getting fatter and fatter as the years go by. While I was not fat when I decided to change my life, I was 200 lbs @ 6 feet tall and probably 25 or more % body fat–blood pressure through the roof at 203 over 100+. I quit a adult lifetime of drinking on 5 July 2010 and immediately dropped 10 pounds in 10 days. Over the course of the next month another 15 pounds melted off my body. I love my Bowflex, dumbbells, bands, physioball, Iron Gym, push-up bars and other assorted pieces of equipment. My 6 second abs machine is my best friend and do 3 sets of 100 seated crunches each night before bed along with 60 hangling leg raises. I am single but experience some of the same things you do in public. Some, but not all my friends are supportive of the new me. I'm on a very structured meal plan, eating more food then I really want, but to fuel my body I now know it is a requirement. My home workouts were getting a bit boring so I joined a gym and am working out 6 times a week. My blood pressure is now regulary 106 over 67 (no drugs) with a resting heart rate of 53. I'm not sure how I found your website, but I think it was through the “Healthy Back Institute” which may have been associated with “The Fat Burning Furnace” a program which I absolutely did not like. I didn't ask for my money back though, Rob's program just was not for me! I get most of my workout routines from Scott Herman Fitness dot com and joined AthLeanX.com several weeks ago. Jeff Cavaliere is my over the phone trainer and with his help I am seeing my abs for the first time in my life. I'm now 10.2% body fat and hope it's on the way further down. I'm an intrigued by your new machine and hope to try it out someday, but neither have the money to buy one or really the space for it. You see, there is hope for the missguided and I'm proof of that! BTW my goal was to see my abs (I'm sporting a 4 pack and plenty of side ab definition) before my 62d birthday this September 28 and even though the goal has been met, I want more. Keep up your good work. I hope this inspires someone my age to take the plunge! All the Best, Phillip Schlueter, Buffalo, New York.

  • Kat

    Joey,
    You genuinely touched upon the great “secret,” the mind, body, & spirit connection. I feel anyone that is even thinking about ways to fit exercise into their hectic, chaotic, or just plain crazy schedule, is on the right track. Your exercise program/DVDs fit the bill to provide many benefits plus a DREAM BODY to boot. You are spot on about being healthy & fit. There are many benefits to this type of LIFESTYLE; it helps ease depression, enhances self-image, relieves stress, and much more. Exercise makes you HAPPY, and you don’t have to be a gym rat to do it – as you have demonstrated. And can you say ANTI-AGING? I know us woman love that word (LOL)! Joey, your exercise and health secrets are inspiring and insightful!
    BTW – “Wife for Life,” huh? I think I might know someone who fits that criteria! ;-) ~ Kat

  • Barbaradonlin

    You are right about staying in shape and in general just eating right and being healthy. I feel though
    the older you get – the harder it gets, and I should of started this 10yrs. ago Being in my 50's, I quit smoking last Nov. and am going thru menopause – to say its tough – I call it the Battle of The Bulge – but I wasn't a heavy smoker so I didn't gain weight and I have lost my love handles and my kids and husband say you look great' for your age = but I want to look even better!!!!!! And when I see younger people than me and they are overweight you want to say something. Being in shape and living a healthier lifestyle is so much better for you and I hope the message just keeps being repeated and others will join.
    Joey keep up the good work !!!!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Peaches – THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!!! you have no idea. Anyone who reads this will be inspired. THANKS for taking the time to write about your incredible success – and to think there is still more to come!!

    Keep me/us posted PLEASE!

    Joey
    PS – YES – feel free to share any of my materials with anyone you wish :-)

  • JoeyAtlas

    Phillip – I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share this valuable info with everyone who reads this blog…

    Also – not sure if you saw – But we are 'connected'! I got my BS in Ex Sci. from UB – yeah! SUNY @ Buffalo. LOVED those 4 years – great place – awesome people.

    Keep at it and keep us all posted here. YOU are an inspiration!!

    Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Kat – where do I send this month's check, LOL… You are good!!!! Thanks!

    oh – the “Wife-for-Life” thing, I'm accepting applications/resumes the first of the month, :-) )

    Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Good stuff Barb! What exercise program are you following???

    Joey

  • Kat

    Joey, I want my check personally hand delivered if that's OK with you? (LOL)

    I suppose when you bring me my check I could give you my resume, but once you see my impeccable record no other applications/resumes will be necessary. ;-) ~ Kat

  • JoeyAtlas

    LOL, Interlachen is so freakin FAR!!! I'll tie it to a bird's leg instead.
    Is that really Kat Dunn talking ?? You sound quite 'sure' of Kat!!

  • Kat

    Interlachen is not that far for a “wife for life” Come on Joey, get with the program. Alright, I can come to you, in about an hour and a half (ONLY IF YOU ARE A HUSBAND FOR LIFE). Yeah, it's me talking, Joey. You doubt me? ~ Kat

  • JoeyAtlas

    Kat – go to sleep! LOL… you need some rest!
    You don't want any part of me. I'm a maniac – completely psycho – like Jekyll and Hyde… ya know?

    Every woman wants “tall, dark and handsome” – that's NOT ME…. I'm ehhh… “short, dark and handsome” lol…

    Your parents would disown you if you tried to bring me home, LOL…

    Now go to bed – get some rest – and the fever shall pass by morning.

  • Kat

    I am pretty sure I can handle Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It's all good! And I bet you're taller than me. I am 5 foot even. I'll go to bed, you sound frazzled. Guess I am in a brave mood tonight. If you want to talk more you know where you can reach me!

  • Yolanda Prinsloo

    Morning Joey
    will you also send me a copy of the 28 day blow torch diet. I would like to ” investigate” it as well
    Regards
    Yol

  • Melinda

    Hi Joey, I receive your email marketing letters and read them most days, I just read your blog and really enjoyed it, I too believe in the mind – body connection and live my life with passion and an absolute zest to live everyday to the max! I think the mindset you have behind your marketing and your online community is brilliant, I too am in business and love to learn from others like yourself. I guess thats what makes life so beautiful, every day can be different, every day can be a fresh start and everyday we can learn new things and become 'more' of our connected selfs as we meet others along this fab journey!!

  • Lotusbloss

    Dear Joey i loved reading this, you are direct, to the point, no beating about the bush with simple no rubbish information that everybody should be armed with.
    We don't need special tools to hone our bodies we just need our body and know what to do with it.
    Exercise + healthy eating = happiness…
    Simple equation hey…
    I know when i was at my best physically and really healthy i never got sick, i jumped out of bed everyday excited about everything and motivated all the time.
    Plus the thought of looking hot toned and physically attractive after 3 kids makes me feel so good about myself and makes you think to yourself ” All that hard work was and is worth it”
    Thank you for the inspiration from your words it really reinforces what we already know and hopefully others will learn regards Kylee…
    PS I also love the fact that people look at me and tell me I don't look old enough to have had 3 kids ;)

  • Sharon bower

    So true! I'm 58, a high school teacher and I've been body building for 5 years. My students think I'm mid 40s and are fascinated that a woman knows so much about 'boys business' which gives me credibility. I like that I can be a role model for them even though I am almost from another world in every other way! Most of all I have the energy and enthusiasm to be fully involved in all life's activities. Making the effort to be fit is no effort at all! Sharon Sydney Australia.

  • Andie10

    Hello Joey!

    I am just now starting on your ULBHT DVD's. I'm only on week 2 but I absolutley love the workouts. I am going to turn 40 this year, and I'm determined to be a smokin' hot 40 year old!! (40 is the new 20 right? LOL) You have really inspired me and I'm very much looking forward to sending you my success story! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and encouraging so many to Live to the Max!!!

  • Noemi

    Love your style Joey. ;o) Please keep up your posts. ;o)))))

  • Monica

    You are absolutely sexy…hands down.:-)

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for reading, Noemi! How did you find this site??

    Spread the word :-)

    – Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Great stuff, Andie!! Thanks for going with the ULBHTM – and YES! you are on the way to '20' – I'm looking forward to your success story and pics!

    Thanks for letting me inspire you!

    – Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Excellent info, Sharon – LOVE IT!

    Thanks for sharing this here. Keep at it!

    – Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Kylee, you are in the zone!! Thanks for adding to the conversation here.

    Don't forget to send me a 'formal' success story email with pics for proof, to help motivate others – OK!!?

    – Joey
    PS – glad you're liking my workouts :-)

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for reading and joining in here, Melinda!!

    Keep it going!

    – Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    LOL..You're good Kat!

    Yes – you were very brave last night!

    Hopefully you've had a good night's rest and the fever has passed :-)

    – Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    THANK YOU, Monica! Your kinds words are GREATLY appreciated :-)

    …What about hands up?? lol…

    – Joey

  • Liz

    Hi Joey. You are a great guy. I enjoy reading your blogs and Kat seems to be a great addition to your blogs when she chimes in. Her icon gives her away. You two could be a real good couple. Why not let her try out for your wife-for-life? Then you could blog about that too. I know I am a sucker for love…I am rooting for you and Kat! Good Luck!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for the kind compliments, Liz! I appreciate you reading/being here.

    Yes – Kat brings the heat when she chimes in! Lots of good energy there!

    Oh – you want to turn this into a reality show/soap opera blog??!! lol…

    Might have to change the theme to: “Love to the Max”!!

    But really – that's part of LIVE to the MAX :-) )

    – Joey

  • Marcella

    Awsome, Joey

  • Kelley

    Joey – Nice health tips. Good stuff!

  • Kelley

    Yes – Love is part of Live to the Max. I agree with Liz – Joey this could be the one for you – take a chance. Then you and Kat can blog about it – Exercise the heart.

  • Kelley

    Awesome!

  • Kat

    FYI: Yeah, I had a good night's sleep, but I am in need of Dr. Jekyll because the fever just keeps coming back. ;-) But it sounds like Mr. Hyde is trying to keep Dr. Jekyll from reaching me. :-(
    LOL… back at you, Joey!

    Looks like some of your audience wants some more of us. ;-) I am willing to accommodate them if you are. This could be a win – win situation for ya, Joey. Take your time to think about it. As you would say, “stay tuned.” :-)
    ~ Kat

  • Kat

    Thank you Liz and Kelley for your tremendous amount of support. I appreciate your kindness! I am sure Joey appreciates your suggestions (As they are brilliant)! I do believe as someone once said, “If it is meant to be – it will find a way.” Thank you, again! ~Kat

  • http://twitter.com/Yancydocq Yancy Docq

    Hi Joey, as many women do, i have a problem with my butt. Im not a couch potato, and im actually pretty active. im about 120 pounds and 5 foot 1, so, really, im not over weight, well, i don't think i am. Either way, until i can afford your program, is there anything you can suggest that i can do to shape up my butt? I do have stairs in my house too :p oh and a 3 and half year old. Im also going to school in september, so i definitly need to keep up so i dont loose my shape.

  • ArleneDK

    Dear Joey,
    It is always brings a smile to my face when I open my email and see your updates! This posting really hit home. Healthy living, eating, and exercise, as part of one's daily life must come from within. I am a living example of this. The desire to live a healthy life to the fullest can only be realized when one makes the earnest decision to participate in their own physical, mental and spiritual (whatever that may be) well being…to really LIVE life. As soon as I stopped feeling helpless and sorry for the way that I allowed myself to become so terribly out of shape, that's when all of the positive things started to happen for me. I took action! I posted once before about how your wonderful exercise programs and approaches to a fit and healthy lifestyle helped to change my own personal life. I had to learn to put myself first here, because without my own well being, I could not contribute to the betterment of the lives of anyone else. I have Lupus, I get very fatigued at times, and I have my “down” days. But shortly after I engaged in your lifestyle and fitness suggestions, I have began to have much more energy, and a profound positive outlook on my life. I am able to return to college, volunteer at my hospitals cancer clinic, and work towards new career at 45+!! I ordered my first “ebook” and it was your Legs, Butt, Hip and Thigh Makeover workout! The book is full of great exercises for all fitness levels, and with a bit of detication, I have seen amazing results. And a year later I still refer to the book!!!!! I recently took a solo trip to New York City and I was able to walk all over the city, without tiring, visit with family and a high school friend that I have not seen in 25 years. When I walked out of Grand Central Station, he actually recognized me!!!!! He said Arlene, you look exactlty the same as in HS!!!! (Except for my now blonde hair, lol!!!) They should have seen me a year ago, before I made the decision to life a healthy lifestyle. Sorry to be so long winded, but Joey, your healthy lifestyles principles have truly made a tremendous positive change in my life! I will continue to participate in and support your wonderful approachs to health. Thank you so much for taking the time to care,
    Arlene
    Newport, NC

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